Vehicle Description
1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible Sedan
In the Mid 1930's, Ford Motor Company president Edsel Ford was
beginning to worry about the ever-increasing competition from
Oldsmobile and Buick. Ford needed a car that offered style, comfort
and luxury at a mid-market price, one that could bridge the gap
between top of the line Ford models and the ultra-exclusive Lincoln
K series. The DeLuxe line of upmarket Fords was introduced for
1938, alongside the Lincoln-Zephyr. These new DeLuxe Fords featured
different styling from their standard counterparts, as well as
well-equipped cabins with additional luxury features.
For consignment, a "baby Zephyr" in response to the competition
offering up very nicely designed cars looking like more high-end
vehicles. Edsel's response was indeed this car. Its grille was the
first hint, and the remainder of the styling gave homage to the
higher end offerings of the time. This car is bathed in beautiful
Cloud Mist Gray paint and has a white convertible. Not only that,
but this example, the beneficiary of a high end restoration, has
won not only an AACA Jr 1st award but also an AACA Sr 1st award and
has participated in both the AACA Glidden and Founders tours. The
styling is to die for and this being the last year of the offering,
it was going out in style!
Exterior
The first clue to this excellent design is right up front with
those teardrop headlights. These are mounted on the rounded fenders
that flank a beautifully restored vertical ribbed grille with a
downward and outward poking and sloping V, along with a
complimentary high bulbous hood above. This all metal car is bathed
in Cloud Mist Gray paint, which is nearly flawless, with panels
that have well minded gaps. As we scan to the back the long hood
eventually runs into the dual panel windscreen wrapped by chrome
trimmings, shiny dual wipers, and dual side view round mirrors on
long vertically curling and reaching perches. Long doors float
effortlessly above rubber covered running boards that eventually
turn into another curve-a-licious fender for the rear. A white
canvas top is stretching from the front glass to the back of the
car is in excellent condition. A massive B pillar covering melts
gracefully into the rear trunk line flanked by those wonderfully
curved pontoon style rear fenders that have a simple pointed
teardrop tail light on either bottom. All beautifully restored and
utilizing some slightly curved trim spears on either side along
with shiny door handles. Chromed dog dish with the iconic V8 badged
centers for the wheel covers present also in shiny steel wheels and
chromed trim rings on their edges. Bias ply tires in their thin
form, with wide whitewall tires are all around. Just a masters
degree for this car in the design department.
Interior
Ultra smooth and tight saddle colored door panels with some piping
delineating the various panels and providing a background for the
nicely aged bakelite cream bezels and knobs for the deep brown
painted window crank and door handle. More saddle colored vinyl for
the bench seat which curves around the front with its overstuffed
couch look. The all sits within a deep saddle painted steel tub. In
back is another couch-like rear bench,all excellent condition. In
keeping with the theme, a metal painted faux wood grain dash is
original and fully restored to its former glory with nice cream
gauges and mirror-like bezels with a peppering of horizontal
ribbing. Art Deco influences are seen throughout this dash front. A
modern AM/FM and AUX jack radio is installed in stealth timeless
mode! This is all fronted by a cream rimmed by bakelite steering
wheel with a banjo styled center all shiny and nice. The floor is
covered with an impervious rubber flooring which presents in light
tan and is very clean. From this floor a shiny beautifully curved
shift lever reached out to the driver and is topped with a bakelite
knob. A modern cup holder has been mounted on the floor just to the
rear of the shift lever. This interior is dripping with a timeless
aged look, but like new in its presentation.
Drivetrain
Sporting its original 221ci flathead V8, the mill has been
meticulously restored to its original glory. A single 2-barrel
carburetor setup sits atop. The carb has its original oil bath
cleaner on top. On the back is a 3-speed manual transmission, also
original to this car. 3.78 is the rear axle designation, and all
the wires, wiring, hoses and bolt ons are all excellent.
Undercarriage
Better than showroom, attention to every detail with a like new
black painted X frame supporting the Cloud Mist Gray shiny floor
pans, body hangers and under running boards. Transverse leaf
springs provide the all around suspension, and coming from the
engine is a stock like new exhaust system. Hydraulic drum brakes
are all around, the first year for said brakes.
Drive-Ability
The flat headed V8 fired right up, and the carb fed plenty of
performance from my foot to the power train. This car drives as
nicely as it looks, and all is functioning very well. A great
cruiser with power when you need it, better than the 1939 original
with many recently rebuilt mechanicals like water pumps, starter,
generator, carb, fuel pump, and rebuilt by Apple Hydraulics shocks
last year.
A wonderful example of the baby Zephyr, the general public never
had it so good, with this ability to look like a high roller by
spending little money. Edsel was a genius, and this created sales
that put Ford back on the map. A convertible with that extra set of
back doors and the full bench. put the top down and go for a
timeless design inspired ride!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.